This Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is a savory delight that brings a comforting and homey feel to any dinner table. The juicy, well-seasoned beef patties pair perfectly with the rich, caramelized onion gravy, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
With a simple yet flavorful preparation, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something quick but full of taste. The savory gravy and tender meat combine to create a dish your whole family will love, and it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup milk
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1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 egg
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon flour (for gravy thickening)
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Directions:
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In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into 4 oval patties.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the hamburger patties and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the patties and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the chopped onions for 5 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to make a roux. Gradually add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, stirring constantly to create a smooth gravy.
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Return the hamburger patties to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Once done, serve the hamburger steaks with the onion gravy spooned over the top.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is a beloved dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the dinner table. This meal is the epitome of home-cooked goodness—juicy, tender hamburger patties smothered in a savory, rich onion gravy. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to please. The beauty of this meal lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s the perfect combination of ground beef, onions, and a flavorful gravy that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a slice of crusty bread.
What makes Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy so special is how it brings out the best in each ingredient. The hamburger patties are seasoned perfectly to allow the natural flavors of the beef to shine, while the onions are caramelized to perfection, giving the dish a touch of sweetness. The gravy, a rich concoction of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, is the finishing touch that ties everything together. This dish is not just a meal, but an experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The Origins of Hamburger Steak
While the exact origins of Hamburger Steak are somewhat unclear, the dish has a long history in American cuisine. It likely evolved from the German “Hamburg steak,” which was made from ground beef and typically served with a sauce. The concept of ground beef formed into a patty has roots in European culinary traditions, particularly in Hamburg, Germany, where beef was minced and then cooked into a steak-like shape. When German immigrants brought the idea to the United States in the 19th century, it became a popular and affordable way to serve beef, especially in urban areas.
The American version of Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy became a staple in working-class households, as it was easy to prepare, cost-effective, and filling. Over time, the dish adapted to local tastes and regional preferences, and it remains a beloved comfort food today. From diners to fine restaurants, you can find variations of this dish all over the country. However, the classic version with onions and gravy remains the most iconic and comforting.
Why This Recipe is So Popular
The popularity of Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy can be attributed to several factors. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a wide variety of sides, from mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables to rice or even fries. The savory gravy adds richness and depth to the dish, making it suitable for various occasions—from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings. The ground beef patties are also easy to prepare, requiring minimal time and effort, which is perfect for busy individuals or families.
Second, this dish offers a comforting and hearty flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of people. The combination of beef and caramelized onions in the gravy is both savory and slightly sweet, creating a balance of flavors that is universally loved. The dish is filling, making it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or satisfying a hungry appetite after a long day. Whether you’re serving it to picky eaters or seasoned food lovers, Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is sure to be a hit.
The Importance of the Gravy
The gravy in this dish is what truly elevates it from a simple hamburger steak to something special. The base of the gravy is made from beef broth, which provides a rich, meaty flavor. By adding Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, the gravy takes on a deeper, more complex taste, with umami notes that complement the beef perfectly. The caramelized onions contribute sweetness and texture, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.
One of the keys to making the perfect gravy is to allow it to reduce slightly, so it thickens to a velvety consistency. The addition of a small amount of flour helps to create the right texture, allowing the gravy to coat the hamburger steaks evenly. This thick, flavorful gravy is what makes the dish so comforting, and it can be poured over your side dishes as well, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal.
Perfect Pairings for Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
One of the best things about Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is its versatility when it comes to pairing it with sides. Here are a few ideas that complement the dish perfectly:
Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the rich, savory gravy. The potatoes act as a perfect base to soak up all the flavorful gravy, making each bite more satisfying.
Rice: For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, you can serve the hamburger steaks over steamed rice. The rice soaks up the gravy while providing a neutral backdrop for the bold flavors of the beef and onions.
Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, adds freshness and balance to the dish. The vegetables help cut through the richness of the gravy, offering a refreshing contrast.
Crusty Bread: For those who love a bit of crunch, a slice of crusty bread is an excellent accompaniment. The bread can be used to mop up any leftover gravy, making it a satisfying addition to the meal.
Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, rich flavors of the hamburger steak and gravy. A simple mixed greens salad with some sliced tomatoes and cucumbers will do the trick.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the great things about Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is that it can be easily customized to fit your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also experiment with different seasonings in the patty mixture, adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic to change the flavor profile. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, you can sauté them with the onions to create a heartier, earthy gravy.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the gravy for some heat. You can even serve the dish with different types of onions, such as red onions or shallots, for a milder or more unique flavor. The flexibility of this recipe makes it easy to adjust based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving.
Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is the kind of dish that works for just about any occasion. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners, as it’s easy to prepare in large batches. You can serve it for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful and satisfying. It’s also a great dish for special occasions, such as holidays or gatherings with friends and family. The rich flavors and comforting nature of the dish will have everyone feeling right at home.
Whether you’re feeding a family of four or preparing a meal for a larger crowd, this dish is adaptable and can be made in larger quantities. The simple ingredients ensure that it’s an affordable option for anyone looking to create a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy is the epitome of comfort food. With its juicy, flavorful patties, rich gravy, and perfectly caramelized onions, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. Whether served with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables, this recipe is versatile, hearty, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Its simplicity makes it an easy choice for busy weeknights, while its rich flavors make it suitable for any special occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that will become a family favorite. The next time you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal, look no further than Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy—it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.